Can You Drink Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol)?

Individuals who are recovering from alcoholism usually suffer intense cravings to drink again. Sometimes, the cravings are so bad that drinking rubbing alcohol seems like a reasonable way to stop withdrawal or simply reduce the powerful urge to drink. If you’re wondering what happens when you drink rubbing alcohol, learn more here.

If you’re suffering from cravings so intense that drinking rubbing alcohol seems like a realistic solution to your problems, Clarity Way is here to help.

The Difference Between Beverage Alcohol and Rubbing Alcohol

Beverage alcohol and rubbing alcohol may sound nearly the same. Beverage alcohol — the mind-altering chemical that is in beer, wine, and spirits — is ethyl alcohol. Ethyl alcohol is an addictive central nervous system depressant that causes physical dependency and profound withdrawal symptoms. Rubbing alcohol is isopropyl alcohol, and drinking as little as 8 ounces — less than one beer — can be fatal.

What Happens if I Drink Rubbing Alcohol?

Rubbing alcohol affects the central nervous system — the part of the body that controls essential health functions such as heartbeat and breathing. Drinking more than a couple of ounces of rubbing alcohol can lead to coma. It also burns the sensitive tissues in the throat and airway, leading to severe pain. In larger doses, swelling also occurs, as can seizures, a dangerous drop in blood pressure, and heart attack. These changes take place within an hour after drinking rubbing alcohol.

Drinking rubbing alcohol can have other negative effects. Although drinking rubbing alcohol can mimic intoxication with side effects such as slurred speech, sedation, and unsteadiness, it can also cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Intestinal bleeding is possible. Even inhaling rubbing alcohol can be toxic — and like ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol is also flammable.

If someone you care about drank rubbing alcohol, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or your local poison control center.

Getting Help

Drinking rubbing alcohol is extremely dangerous and it is never normal. If someone you care about has resorted to drinking rubbing alcohol because beverage alcohol is off limits, it is time for your loved one to find professional help. With comprehensive addiction care, your loved one can beat alcoholism and lead a productive, sober, and healthy lifestyle.

Clarity Way provides holistic addiction care in a luxurious residential setting. Our program begins with safe and thorough detox, progresses through a range of the most progressive therapies known today, and continues with ongoing Aftercare that helps your loved one stay sober in the world outside rehab.

Our Recovery Support Team can customize a plan that meets the unique needs of your loved one in a small, family-oriented atmosphere. For more information on Clarity Way’s holistic addiction recovery program on the east coast, call us now at 1-844-326-3234.